Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

Events in 31 Iowa cities aim to help give out college financial aid

February 13th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Super Bowl Sunday is behind us now, but Iowa College Goal Sunday is just ahead. Now in its 4th year, the free event is designed to help college-bound Iowa students and their parents speed through the process of filling out financial aid forms. Brittania Morey, spokeswoman for the Iowa College Access Network, says the focus is on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. “We have 31 sites this year across the state,” Morey says. “Volunteers, both financial aid experts and educators, staff these events and help families fill out the forms and get expert advice on the financial aid process, not only completing the forms but the following steps after completing the forms and what to expect from the colleges.” The events will actually be held over a week’s time in the various locations. The process should only take about 30 minutes, but Morey says you’ll want to be sure to bring a few key pieces of information along.

Morey says, “Students and families should bring Social Security numbers for the parents and the student, we also need the student’s driver’s license number, date of birth and the most recent state and federal tax returns.” They’ll also need to see some information about your financial assets. “We need current bank statements and then investment records,” Morey says. “Records for investments include anything that’s personal, additional real estate outside the family home but not retirement. That’s very important, we don’t include any kind of retirement as an asset on the FAFSA.” The events will be held this Saturday, February 18th through next Sunday, February 26th in 31 Iowa locations. Learn more about Iowa College Goal Sunday at the website: www.IowaCGS.org.
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Locations & dates:
Clarinda – Feb. 18; Iowa Western Community College; 923 Washington Street.
Council Bluffs – Feb. 18; Kaplan University; 1751 Madison Ave. Suite 750.